Wanderers release skipper Cornthwaite

JOSEP Gombau's overhaul of Western Sydney Wanderers looks to have claimed another victim, with captain Robbie Cornthwaite on the verge of signing for Malaysia side Perak FA.

Cornthwaite is in Malaysia, where he previously spent 18 months playing for rivals Selangor, and he is expected to complete the formalities on a one-year deal shortly.

It marks a rapid turnaround for a player made captain by previous Wanderers coach Tony Popovic, but who clashed with Popovic's replacement, Josep Gombau, over the implementation of a new style.

Robert Cornthwaite. Picture: Getty Images

The 32-year-old was on a contract at Western Sydney until the end of the season, but is among several players believed to have been told by Gombau that they can look elsewhere.

Jacob Melling and Jumpei Kusukami both left the club a fortnight ago as Gombau attempts to engineer space in his squad to bring in faces he considers more attuned to the attacking style he is implementing. Melling has since signed for the Mariners.

Wanderers coach Josep Gombau. Picture: AAP

Cornthwaite had previously enjoyed a productive spell in Malaysia, playing in a league XI against Tottenham two years ago, and spent four years at Jeonnam Dragons in Korea.

He became a central figure at the Wanderers under Popovic, until the latter's shock exit on the eve of the season.

Cornthwaite was not in the Wanderers squad that drew 1-1 draw with Wellington Phoenix at the weekend due to suspension, and was given permission by the club to travel to Malaysia and finalise a return there.

Gombau has already signed Marcelo Carrusca from Melbourne City, after the pair enjoyed a productive relationship when Gombau coached Adelaide.

The Wanderers boss is believed to be weighing up a move for more of his former players, though a significant number of the Wanderers squad are on deals that extend beyond this season.